A part of the brain called the hypothalamus acts as the body's
thermostat. When all is well in the body, the hypothalamus is set at the
normal body temperature. Fever develops when the hypothalamus is set to
a higher-than-normal temperature. This resetting of the hypothalamus is
usually caused by small molecules called pyrogens in the blood.

Pyrogens
can come from outside the body (external) or can be produced inside the
body (internal). External pyrogens include toxins (poisons) produced by
infectious viruses or bacteria. Internal pyrogens include abnormal
chemicals that are produced by tumors and proteins that are released
during the normal response of the immune system.

A fever is
defined as a temperature 1° or more above the normal 98.6°. Mild or
short-term elevations are common with minor infections. High fevers,
with temperatures of 103° and above, can signal a potentially dangerous
infection.

There are several medications that can reduce body
temperature by blocking the mechanisms that cause a fever. These
so-called antipyretic agents include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and
aspirin. All three of these drugs appear to be equally effective at
reducing fever. However, since aspirin may cause or be associated with
side effects, such as stomach upset, intestinal bleeding and (most
seriously) Reye syndrome, we do not recommend using it to treat a simple
fever. Ibuprofen use is approved for children 6 months of age and
older; however, ibuprofen should never be given to children who are
dehydrated or vomiting continuously.

Ideally, the dose of
acetaminophen should be based on a child's weight, not his age. The dose
of ibuprofen should be based on baseline temperature and weight, not
his age. However, the dosages listed on the labels of acetaminophen
bottles (which are usually calculated by age) are generally safe and
effective unless your child is unusually light or heavy for his age.

Drink
plenty of water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration (abnormally low
levels of body water). Fluids help to cool your body and they replenish
vital salts and minerals (electrolytes), which may be lost during
vomiting or diarrhea.

Eat light foods that are easy to digest! We urge you to find out more about fever today!